An effective alumni relations program provides the base on which an overall program of institutional advancement can be planned and implemented. The alumni director and staff are essential to such a program, and the prudent college president will use the alumni board as a forum for advancing programs that benefit the entire institution. (MSE)

Five worst enemies to alumni offices' long-range plans are identified: failure to dovetail office plans with institutional plans, turnover in personnel, not enough staff or money to meet goals, failure to review plans regularly, and structuring plans with too little latitude to shift priorities as needed. (MLW)

Developing creative and appealing new college alumni programs need not be laborious and time consuming. A variety of familiar events and items can be sources of inspiration: a staff retreat, professional conference, a bulletin board, a telephone call, or the phone book. A positive attitude plays an important role in designing interesting programs.…

Some things to consider before planning separate alumni activities or associations for young alumni include common assumptions about young adults' interests, spending patterns, willingness to do fund-raising, and interest in meeting older graduates. (MSE)

Alumni continuing education programs can be self-supporting, but they will not thrive unless faculty and administration appreciate their intrinsic value. Garnering ideas and support from the campus community can be invaluable. The alumni program director's goal is to show that continuing education is an extension of the institution's primary…

An alumni association dues program has these benefits: operating funds, program expansion, identification of committed alumni, and association independence from the institution. Its problems can be: possible competition with the annual fund, possible competition with constituent associations dues programs, and negative reaction to direct mailings.…

As their graduates assume increasingly powerful civic and career positions, community colleges should utilize alumni as potential sources of fiscal and community support. To do so requires an alumni affairs organization through which the college and its alumni can be of help to each other. Colleges can provide former students with opportunities…

The administration's adviser to the Illinois State University Student Alumni Council examines the benefits of student participation in alumni affairs, outlines some considerations in the creation and development of a new student alumni program, and suggests program possibilities for different constituencies, including alumni, students, future…

Results of a national survey of colleges and universities concerning alumni involvement in off-campus community service programs indicate a broad variety of activities. Steps to take in establishing and managing an alumni association community service project are outlined. (MSE)

Recommendations for planning a successful training workshop for college alumni volunteers include assuring the association is organized and the program well timed; making sure everyone agrees to budget and/or financial commitments; using seasoned volunteers to conduct a feasibility study and determine training needs; making training enjoyable; and…

College alumni program professionals offer specific ways to make good use of limited resources in the areas of program planning, scheduling, time management, staff communication, use of technology, involvement of board members, use of volunteers and student workers, coordination with other campus programs, and staff motivation and appreciation…